Chalkboard teaching doesn’t cut it anymore. With developments in technology moving at
breakneck speed, it’s important for children to grasp computer and social media skills in order to succeed in
their post-secondary studies and beyond. At Calgary’s West Island College (WIC), new technology is integrated
into classrooms and facilities as a tool to bring the world to students with international knowledge and
stronger connections with their peers and teachers. International studies, fine arts, outdoor experiential
education, athletics, business institute studies and advanced French and Spanish make up just some of the
school’s programs, and often take students outside of classrooms and into the real world, be it in the city
or across the ocean.
Q&A: Carol Grant-Watt
West Island College’s head of school and CEO, Carol Grant-Watt (B.Ed., MA), explains the
institution’s unique approach.
Why is the school keen on integrating technology into the curriculum and student
experience?
Our state-of-the-art technology allows each student the possibility to take their
learning to the next level and extend their learning to practical applications. We work hard to expose our
students to local, national and global communities and technology is simply yet another tool to bring the
world into the classroom.
What are the classroom sizes on average?
Our junior school classes (Grades 7 to 9) are composed of no more than 21 students,
while our senior classes (Grades 10 to 12) have a maximum of 25. We believe classrooms of this size strike a
balance between personalized learning and the development of a strong peer cohort.
What opportunities do students have to practise, learn and explore their interests that
could flourish into careers in their futures?
Curriculum extension trips such as the Chemainus Artist Retreat, Bamfield Marine Biology
Studies and the New York Financial District Tour are examples of additional opportunities students have to
pursue their passions. Programs such as WIC Athletes expose students to a wide variety of team and individual
sports; the fine arts program allows our students to thrive creatively and our international studies program
sends a large portion of our students on trips around the world where they are exposed to new cultures, new
ways of thinking and a different way of life.
How does WIC prepare students for their post-secondary
education?
WIC gives each student access to extensive post-secondary and career counselling, both
as part of the curriculum and by the students’ own initiative.
What do students graduating from WIC walk away with that they would have otherwise
missed out on at another school?
When a student leaves WIC they are not entering the “real world” for the first time. Our
program ensures that they have been exposed to every possible opportunity and they will be able to take the
skills developed while at WIC and apply them to whatever environment they may find themselves
in.
For more information on West Island College, visit westislandcollege.ab.ca or call
403-444-0023.
Community
Spirit
My WIC is the college’s new
community network
New this month is West Island
College’s new set of online tools and services called My WIC. The program brings together multiple sources of
information into one easy-to-use portal accessible to all members of the WIC community.
Now the school and classrooms
are right in front of you no matter where you are and when you want it.
My WIC
features:
Allows teachers to post course
material, calendars, homework assignments, announcements and extracurricular information
Allows students to have endless
access to information pertaining to courses, organizations and athletics teams they belong
to
Uses Desire2Learn, HomeLogic and
TechLogic management systems, which allows teachers to manage a comprehensive grade book
Allows parents and students to access student progress information
The school’s goal is to extend and bolster the relationships that are formed every day at West Island College
between teachers, students, parents and the community. •